Dogs are not merely cute creatures that will most likely spend their days lounging with you and prefer nights where they can snuggle inside your cosy bed. Contrary to the popular opinion of pups just being a source of love and affection at home, they’re a symbol of bravery and heroism.
In military operations, they are formidable soldiers. Canines can sniff danger as easily as they can sniff out a piece of lone bread in the house. They are a part of the modern-day bomb squads and have a reputation as some of the most reliable and valuable military assets.
Dogs are used for a variety of tasks by military forces. Their strong instincts, trainability, and physical endurance make them phenomenal at their tasks. Let’s discuss the military dog breeds that are known for their bravery, courage, and work ethic in detail.
Military Dog Breeds
1. German Shepherd
During World War I & II, German Shepherds were widely used by the German, British, and American forces for performing the intricate duties of being messengers. German Shepherds would also carry medical supplies and transport them from one place to another.
The GSD also used its tracking capabilities to locate wounded soldiers and provide them with first aid. Throughout the war, they would remain calm and composed. They are loaded with qualities that make them suitable for military roles.
- They are highly intelligent. They are the third most intelligent dogs in the world, according to PetMD. Hence, they are easy to train. They will take commands well and behave expertly in challenging environments.
- The GSD is known for its loyalty. Its unwavering loyalty towards the team it is working for can’t be challenged. When needed, they are aggressive. But in a controlled environment, they showcase a balanced approach.
- Physically, these dogs are sturdy. They are built athletes with great endurance, speed, and strength. Hence, in search and rescue missions, they are indeed formidable. Chasing down the enemy comes naturally to them.
- German Shepherds are pro at detecting certain smells. This makes them a good fit for bomb and narcotics detection missions.
Historical Tidbit: German Shepherds were used in East Germany to patrol the Berlin Wall. Owing to being intimidating, they were phenomenal at their job of warding off the escapees who wanted to run off to the Western side of the wall.
2. Belgian Malinois
If you are interested in history, you would be aware of Cairo, a Belgian Malinois that was a part of the SEAL Team 6 that tracked down Osama Bin Laden and killed him.
This military dog breed is an absolute favourite of the U.S. and European military units, and for all the right reasons.
- This breed is known for its focus. With a laser-sharp focus, they won’t get distracted, no matter what. When it comes to patrolling, they know what they are doing, and nothing can divert them from their job.
- Owing to being light-weight, they can easily make big jumps and take on missions that require a lot of agility and physical activity.
- As they have lower health risks when compared to heavier breeds, they are easy to use in special missions. Portable to the core, the military teams can take them from one mission to another super swiftly.
- They are smart. When it comes to problem-solving and adaptive thinking, no one can beat them.
3. Dutch Shepherd
During World War II, one of the most common dogs used to guard camps and act as a messenger was the Dutch Shepherd.
It was subsequently used for various military roles, as well, owing to its suitability for those purposes.
- These dogs come with a calm consistency. They are not overly aggressive to snap at everything! Rather, they are adaptable. First, they will understand the situation, strategize their action, and then act on it.
- Dutch Shepherd looks gorgeous wearing its tringle striped bridle. However, this coat is not only there to make it appear strikingly beautiful. Rather, the coat is intense and waterproof, allowing the dog to work even in the harshest weather conditions.
- Unlike most other dogs, they are rare. Hence, they are bred with a lot of thoughtfulness, which keeps them away from the regular health concerns that many other dogs have. It’s very rare for them to develop physical problems, which makes them fit for military service.
- Thanks to their phenomenal olfactory abilities, this dog breed is a top choice when it comes to detecting narcotics. It is also a reliable explosive detection dog.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labs are not just adorable companions that will stay with you through thick and thin; they are also exceptional military dogs.
Although you mostly see them performing their role as guard dogs in your regular life, Labs are known for their exceptional service to the military, as per Britannica.
- The Labrador Retriever has an impressive olfactory system. They can detect narcotics and explosives in the most accurate manner possible. They are so good at it that they can even spot an electronic device just by sniffing the area.
- They are easy to train. It is not just owing to their intelligence, but their will to do ANYTHING when praised or given their favorite meals.
- You would mostly see the dog patrolling areas that are super-crowded. This is because Labs are easy dogs that are alert but don’t raise alarm amongst the crowd in sensitive situations.
- Webbed feet and waterproof coats make this dog a good choice for missions that require swimming.
Historical Tidbits: The USA utilized labs for IED detection tasks during the Afghanistan conflict.
Additionally, Jake, a renowned lab, offered its services at Ground Zero (9/11). Following this mission, it went on to assist during Hurricane Katrina.
5. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are indeed phenomenal rescue and military dogs, especially in snow-clad mountainous areas, for various reasons.
Did you know that Balto and Togo were two Siberian Huskies that led human teams tasked with delivering life-saving diphtheria antitoxin in 1925?
Siberian Huskies are indeed phenomenal rescue dogs, especially in snow-clad mountainous areas, for various reasons.
- These military dogs were bred for the tough jobs! They are capable of pulling sleds over terrain covered with snow and ice. They wear a double coat that is super thick and shields them from the outer environment.
- They are absolute team players. They work great in teams, and when it comes to making autonomous decision-making, they are great at it as well.
- These military dog breeds have an adequate metabolism that makes them a great fit for mountainous areas. Their calories burn slowly, hence they have all the energy and stamina required to run through tough terrains.
History Tidbits: The U.S. Army Air Forces extensively used Siberian Huskies in the Second World War. They were the leads in search and rescue operations in the Arctic. By supplying food items in the snow, they played a great role in helping the US showcase a distinguished performance in the war.
6. Alaskan Malamute
These military dogs work to pull sleds as efficiently as they do messenger dogs.
In the past, they performed their roles as messenger dogs in military service exceptionally well. Bred by the Mahlemut People, these sled dogs from Alaska make praiseworthy military dogs.
- Alaskan Malamutes wear a double coat that is super dense. It is also waterproof from the outside, making sure the moisture from the environment doesn’t get its way into the body. Hence, this military dog breed is a top choice for military tasks in snow-clad mountains.
- This massive dog with a weight of around 85-100 pounds is a beast! It can run for miles without getting tired. This is why any mission that requires a lot of stamina and running automatically becomes relevant to this dog.
- Weight pulling comes naturally to them. Not all dogs are built for what this one can do!
Historical Tidbit: Admiral Richard Byrd’s Antarctic missions took the services of the Alaskan Malamute. These dogs would carry loads efficiently and aid scientists’ probe into the snowy areas that were otherwise unreachable.
7. Giant Schnauzer
This is a rugged working dog that is known for its work ethic and showcases exceptional performance in high-stress situations.
Giant Schnauzers adapt well to dynamic situations. This, along with many other qualities, makes this canine a great police dog in search and rescue missions.
- These military working dogs are great learners. They would understand a command immediately and would behave accordingly with great precision. It is also possible for them to retain newly learned behaviors for long periods.
- Giant Schnauzer is a naturally agile dog that has a strong, muscular body. This not only makes it an intimidating patrol dog but a phenomenal military personnel as well.
- Widely used as patrolling dogs by the armed forces, they are a good choice when it comes to patrolling a VIP and offer top-notch security. They are extremely watchful and don’t get nervous when something strange happens.
8. Boxer
Boxers may appear to be gentle giants, but it is one of the most phenomenal military dogs and a formidable companion of the police force.
Apart from its commendable courage, it has several other qualities that make it a great fit for the armed forces.
- The dog has a strong build. With a muscular body and long legs, this dog can run for hours without getting tired. Hence, it is a top choice as a military working dog when missions require chasing a criminal over large distances.
- Originally, these dogs were bred to be hunters and guards. However, in the modern age, they are a fitting choice for police forces that make use of their bravery and courage for their missions.
- Boxers are easy to train. Positive reinforcement works great on them. They are always quick to react, as their alert eyes are constantly scanning the surroundings, searching for something.
Their loyalty, physical strength, and adaptability have made them a part of the U.S. military’s official K-9 Corps.
9. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are not just great pet dogs; they are a phenomenon, military dogs as well.
In fact, during World War II, they were declared the official war dog by the US Marine Corps. There are several reasons why they were considered great messengers and scouts during the war, and even today!
- These guard dogs don’t get stressed! Doberman Pinschers remain calm and composed in all situations. No matter how complex the task may be, they will retain their composure.
- Though they are muscular, their bodies are lean. Hence, agility comes naturally to them. Chasing down a threat or sending across a message is an easy task for them.
- They bond well with their partners. It’s quite easy for them to understand the changing tone of voice and behave accordingly. Hence, their training is easy, and their performance in military actions is commendable.
According to Volopedia, “Always Faithful” is a memorial that honours the more than 25 Dobermans who lost their lives in service during World War II.
10. Rottweiler
Germany saw potential in Rottweilers and utilised them as military dogs during the Second World War.
Driving their heritage from the Roman drover dogs, they paraded thousands of miles and shielded both soldiers and supplies. They are surely equipped with qualities that make them excel in security operations.
- These dogs are solid and powerful. Their mere presence is enough to intimidate a criminal. However, their calm demeanor ensures they don’t snap at anyone. Rather, their behavior is quite strategic and well-thought-out.
- Rottweilers are focused. They are not completely dependent on their handlers. They are quick at decision-making and wouldn’t always look to their handlers for instructions and commands.
- They have a strong bite force. This makes them excellent barriers for intruders and capable of handling aggressive forces against them.
Conclusion
Some dogs are naturally meant to do big things in life. Rather than cuddling and snuggling with their pet parents, they would use their protective nature to guard soldiers on the battlefield. They serve alongside military men and prove their loyalty to their nation.
These dogs have served in different search and rescue missions and have helped police and other law enforcement agencies. These dog breeds offer fierce protection.
